Climate Week is a supercharged national campaign to inspire a new wave of action on climate change. It culminates with thousands of events and activities taking place throughout the week of 12 to 18 March 2012, planned by organisations from every part of society. Showcasing real, practical ways to combat climate change, the campaign aims to renew our ambition to create a more sustainable, low-carbon future.
The window of opportunity for action on climate change is rapidly closing. The UK is far from where it needs to be, but in every sector solutions are being pioneered, adopted and refined. The campaign aims to accelerate and enhance this process by inspiring more action through real examples - both the small improvements and the big innovations.
Climate Week is backed by every part of society - from the Prime Minister to Paul McCartney, the NHS to the National Trust, the TUC to the CBI, Girlguiding UK to the National Association of Head Teachers. During the first Climate Week in 2011 over 3,000 events were attended by half a million people across the UK.
The Climate Week Challenge in 2011 was Britain's biggest ever environmental competition, with over 145,000 people participating in the one day and one-hour versions. You can register now for the 2012 Climate Week Challenge, which will be revealed on Monday 12 March at 9am.
Entries are now open for the prestigious Climate Week Awards, recognising the most inspirational and impressive actions taking place in every sector of society. In 2011 the judging panel contained figures such as the eminent economist Lord Stern, the former President of Ireland, Mary Robinson, and Booker Prize-winning author, Ian McEwan. Winners included a community-run hydroelectric project in Settle, North Yorkshire, a virtually waterless new washing machine that uses polymer beads to clean clothes, and a schools project in the North East that has resulted in over 18,000 hours of pupil-led activities.
Other highlights from 2011 include the Climate Week T-shirt, designed by Eley Kishimoto. It was modelled by celebrities such as Lily Cole, Gemma Arterton and James Blunt. The Climate Week Pub Quiz took place in hundreds of pubs and workplaces, with questions written by the BBC1 quiz show QI, and a flagship quiz taking place at a replica of the Rovers Return hosted by Al Murray, the Pub Landlord.
There were over 1,000 pieces of media coverage about the last Climate Week, with national articles ranging from the business pages of The Telegraph to the fashion pages of the Daily Mail. Television coverage included a feature on BBC Breakfast, an entire episode of children's show Blue Peter, and comedian Marcus Brigstocke discussing the campaign on the One Show.
Organisations can get involved right now by starting to plan an event for Climate Week. This provides a unique opportunity to profile their own initiatives and innovations to stakeholders and staff, customers and the community, members and the media.They can also spread the word in advance, so that others find out about Climate Week in time to plan their own activities.
Individuals can help right now by asking the organisations they know - such as their workplace or local school - to plan an event or activity for Climate Week. They can also visit the Climate Week website to find out more about what they can do in their local area, or how to get involved online.
To find out more about Climate Week go to www.climateweek.com, email info@climateweek.com or telephone on 020 3397 2601.
